Program to Check for Signs of Depression
A free program to screen residents of east Ventura County for signs of depression will be held Thursday evening as part of the annual National Depression Screening Day.
Of the more than 17 million Americans who suffer from depression, fewer than half seek treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The screening, in conjunction with Mental Illness Awareness Week, is part of an effort to increase the numbers of depressed people who seek treatment.
Mental health professionals associated with Behavioral Medicine Services of Simi Valley are offering the free screening from 7 to 9 p.m. in room 2750 of the Aspen Outpatient Center at 2750 Sycamore Drive.
The event includes a brief lecture about depression, a short video and an anonymous written test to screen for the disorder.
Last year, 85,000 people attended screenings held at 2,800 locations throughout the nation.
The written test checks for symptoms of depression, which include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, changes in sleeping patterns, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, lack of concentration and thoughts of death and suicide.
For reservations and information, call 582-5000.
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